Multi-layer digital asset architecture for virtual and mixed reality environments

ABSTRACT

A method of displaying a multi-layer digital asset in a digital environment includes retrieving, from a digital blockchain ledger, data associated with a first, primary non fungible cryptographic token (NFT) and data associated with a second, sub-asset NFT. The data associated with the first NFT identifies a first retrieval location of a first digital graphics file that is representative of a primary digital asset. The data associated with the second NFT identifies a second retrieval location of a second digital graphics file. The method includes retrieving, the first digital graphics file from the first retrieval location, retrieving the second digital graphics file from the second retrieval location, layering an image from the second digital graphics file onto the primary digital asset to form the multi-layer digital asset, and displaying the multi-layer digital asset in a digital environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/701,237, which is published as US 2022/0300966, which claimsthe benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63/164,271, filed22 Mar. 2021. Both references are incorporated by reference in theirentirety and for all that they disclose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an architecture and methodthat allows a user to dynamically alter the appearance and/or behaviorof a digital asset within a virtual or mixed reality environment.

BACKGROUND

A non-fungible token (NFT) is a non-interchangeable (i.e., non-fungible)record that is digitally stored and is capable of being sold or tradedbetween different market participants. In many instances, an NFT canserve as a digital certificate of authenticity or proof of ownership ina corresponding digital or physical item. The records comprising the NFTare often stored in/on an immutable digital ledger, such as ablockchain-style ledger, which can be broken up across many differentnodes or ledger-maintaining participants. Such blockchain ledgers willuse some means of cryptology to encode at least a portion of thecontents of the record, while also referencing the prior block (in thechain of blocks) to provide continuity.

NFTs typically include resident data, referred to as metadata, that isstored directly on the blockchain. Due to cost complexities associatedwith pushing large quantities of data through the transaction validationprocess, the metadata may often include a pointer or reference tooff-chain data/digital files such as photos, graphics, videos, and/oraudio that would be cost-prohibitive to store on-chain. When the NFT isdisplayed, such as on a user's social media account or in a user'sdigital wallet, an associated software program may review the metadata,and then digitally retrieve the associated photo from the referencedfile repository for display.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure contemplates a blockchain-secured multi-layerdigital asset that is formed via the nested reference of a firstnon-fungible cryptographic (NFT) token into a second NFT token. Bylayering or nesting one NFT into another, discrete features,advertisements, colors, functionality, appearances, accessories, and thelike may be tokenized and transferrable separate from the more primaryasset that incorporates the sub-asset. This technology may findparticular use within video games, though may also be applicable toother areas such as art, digital collectables,augmented-reality/mixed-reality/virtual-reality environments, and thelike.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of displaying orproviding a multi-layer digital asset within a digital environmentincludes retrieving, from a digital blockchain ledger, data associatedwith a first, primary non fungible cryptographic token (NFT). The datacomprises core asset information including a first pointer identifying afirst retrieval location of a first digital graphics file and areference to a second, sub-asset NFT. The first digital graphics file isrepresentative of a primary digital asset, and the second, sub-asset NFTincludes a second pointer that identifies a second retrieval location ofa second digital graphics file. The method then includes retrieving, thefirst digital graphics file via the first retrieval location;retrieving, from the digital blockchain ledger, data associated with thesecond, sub-asset NFT, the data including the second pointer; andretrieving the second digital graphics file via the second retrievallocation. An image from the second digital graphics file is then layeredon the primary digital asset to form the multi-layer digital asset,which can then be displayed in a digital environment.

In some embodiments, the second, sub-asset NFT may be an advertisingasset and the image from the second digital graphics file may include anadvertising logo or indicia that can be overlaid onto the primarydigital asset. This advertising logo or indicia may be obtained from amarketplace that includes a plurality of advertising logos or indiciathat the user can operatively select. In some configurations, themulti-layer digital asset may be displayed in combination with acharacter avatar that is controlled within the digital environment by auser.

In an advertising context, the second NFT may further comprise aself-executing contract having digital software code that, whenexecuted, automatically transfers an amount of value to an accountassociated with the user following the displaying of the multi-layerdigital asset in the digital environment. Effectively this smart,self-executing contract may compensate the user for displaying theselected advertising logo or indicia. As such, the amount of value maybe defined within the digital software code of the self-executingcontract. In some configurations, the defined amount of value may be, atleast partially a function of at least one attribute of the characteravatar. This attribute may be, for example, a scope of influence, agamer rating, participation in live events or tournaments, or the like.In some configurations, the smart contract may automatically transfer asecond amount of value to an account associated with the creator of theprimary digital asset, which may be identified within the core assetinformation of the first NFT. Further in some configurations an amountof value may be remitted or automatically transferred to an accountassociated with a creator of the digital environment. In one example,the primary digital asset may be an article of apparel or footwear thatis operative to be worn by the character avatar.

In some embodiments, the sub-asset NFT may be operative to modify acolor or appearance of the primary digital asset, such as by fullymasking a portion of the primary digital asset to alter a color of theprimary digital asset.

In some embodiments, the second, sub-asset NFT may be a feature asset.In such a configuration, the image from the second digital graphics filemay be a partially transparent overlay and layering the image from thesecond digital graphics file on the primary digital asset may includeoverlaying the primary digital asset with the partially transparentoverlay such that the primary digital asset is at least partiallyvisible through the overlay. Examples of partially transparent overlaysof this type may include flames, electricity, or dust clouds.

The second, sub-asset NFT may further include at least one performanceattribute that is operative to modify at least one of a characterattribute or a primary digital asset attribute such that the characteror primary digital asset behaves in a modified manner within the digitalenvironment. Example modified attributes may include power ups,increased performance abilities, speed, strength, leaping ability,accuracy, health, and the like. In some embodiments, the modificationprovided by the sub-asset NFT may deteriorate or diminish as a functionof time or use of the sub-asset within the digital world or inconnection with the character avatar.

In some embodiments, the display of the multi-layer digital asset may beconditioned upon some external event occurring. By “external” it iscontemplated that the event is not specific solely to the primary NFT orsecondary NFT, but rather involves some occurrence not strictly governedby the NFT itself. In such an instance, the method may include receivingfrom an external source, an indication that an event has occurred, andthen displaying the multi-layer digital asset only after receipt of theindication that the event has occurred. In such an instance, the primarydigital asset may still be displayed prior to the occurrence of theevent. In some embodiments, the event is an event or occurrenceoccurring outside of the digital environment. For example, it may beanother digital event, occurrence, sale, or piece of news.Alternatively, it may be a real-world event or occurrence. In someconfigurations, the indication of the occurrence of the event may bereceived from a blockchain oracle, such as may be implemented, forexample, through the CHAINLINK blockchain protocol.

As noted, the second, sub-asset NFT may be fully alienable, separatefrom the primary digital asset. For example, the method may includetransferring or making a request to transfer the second NFT to a seconddigital wallet or account, appending or making a request to append anindication of the transfer of the second NFT in the data of the firstNFT; and removing the image from the multi-layer digital asset.Likewise, the second NFT may be leased out to the owner of the seconddigital wallet, in which case a lease token may be passed that governsuse of the sub-asset, while ownership remains with the first party.

Additional features of the present disclosure are provided in thefollowing description and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic system diagram of a multi-layer digital assetarchitecture for virtual and mixed reality environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an architecture and methodthat allows a user to dynamically alter the appearance and/or behaviorof a digital asset within a virtual or mixed reality environment. Thisarchitecture regards certain discrete features, functionality, digitalobjects, and/or visual modifications as being distinct sub-assets thatare each capable of being bought, sold, traded, or leased. In general,this technology may create a market for secondary features for a primaryasset.

In a general sense, the present technology utilizes a layered approachto the construction of digital assets whereby a primary digital assetmay be altered or affected by the one or more ancillary digitalsub-assets. In one configuration, each asset and sub-asset may berepresented by a non-fungible token that is registered to a database ordistributed blockchain ledger and associated with an account of aparticular user. Each asset and sub-asset may be fully alienable(subject to any contractual restrictions that may exist), and may becapable of being transferred, sold, or leased between an asset producer,a consumer, and/or one or more marketplace facilitators. US PatentPublication Nos. 2020/0184041 and 2020/0273048 describe variousembodiments of what the present disclosure may regard as a primarydigital asset and are incorporated by reference in their entirety andfor all that they disclose (directly and/or by reference to other USpatents or patent publications).

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the presentarchitecture 10 within the context of a basketball video game 12. Whilethis technology may be best explained within the context of video games,it may also be used in other contexts such as augmented realityexperiences, virtual reality experiences, digital lands and metaverses,digital product advertising, and digital artwork or collectables.

As generally shown in FIG. 1 , within the context of the basketballvideo game 12, a user may control a player/character avatar 14 via aconnected gaming console, mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone ortablet), or computer (not shown). Through a marketplace, event,giveaway, connected retail purchase, or the like, the user may haveacquired a particular jersey 16 that the player 14 may wear during gameplay. For the purpose of this example, the jersey 16 may be regarded asa “primary digital asset.” It is owned by the user and may berepresented by a non-fungible cryptographic token (NFT) 18 that isregistered to an account or digital wallet associated with the user. TheNFT representing the jersey may contain certain core asset information20, such as a pointer or reference 22 to the location of one or moreassociated graphics files; associated performance information 24, theidentity or digital wallet address of the creator 26, and/or a hash ofthe prior cryptographic block 28. The performance information 24 maygenerally identify how the asset behaves within the environment and/orhow it may affect or alter characteristics of the user's player/avatar14 when worn (e.g., increased speed, jumping ability, or endurance).

In addition to the core asset information 20, the NFT 18 may be capableof containing or otherwise referring to one or more sub-assets 30 that,in some embodiments, may each be separately tokenized and recorded to adistributed blockchain ledger. As generally illustrated in FIG. 1 ,examples of sub-assets 30 that may be tokenized and used with theprimary asset may include advertisement assets 32, feature assets 34,and/or conditional assets 36. For each of these assets, the primarydigital asset may serve as the canvas or base layer upon which thesub-assets 30 operate or are displayed. Said another way, in thisexample, these sub assets may have little or no functional utilityabsent a primary digital asset to modify or embellish. Further, as willbe described below, the NFT 18 may also include a lease token/sub-asset38 that may be utilized when transferring use of the primary digitalasset to a third party 40 for a limited duration.

So, to quickly summarize, a primary digital asset may be any item,avatar, avatar “skin”, article of apparel, article of footwear, weapon,sporting equipment, or other digitally represented asset within a videogame environment or virtual world (in FIG. 1 , the primary digital assetis a basketball jersey 16). While the primary digital asset may have itsexistence within the virtual world, its unique existence may beindividually secured to a distributed blockchain ledger in the form ofan NFT 18. This NFT 18 can then be associated with a digital walletbelonging to, or otherwise accessible by the owner of the asset.

During the course of the primary digital asset's life or existence, theasset may be capable of receiving various “upgrades,” such as upgradedfunctionality, altered visual appearance, dynamic overlays, advertisingindicia, and the like. Each “upgrade” may be separately represented asits own discrete asset that may also be secured to a distributedblockchain ledger as an NFT. In some embodiments, when these tokenizedupgrades are “applied” to the primary digital asset, the NFT of thesub-asset/upgrade may be referenced within the NFT of the primarydigital asset (e.g., via a pointer to the sub-asset NFT). In doing so,when the primary digital asset is imported into the video game/virtualworld, the act of importing may also retrieve all associated sub-assetsas well. By structuring the architecture in this manner, each sub-assetor upgrade may have its own unique characteristics that can be read intothe primary digital asset without permanently altering the underlyingprimary digital asset itself. Likewise, the upgrades are subject totheir own unique ownership and may be alienable/transferrable separatefrom the primary digital asset.

Referring again to the architecture 10 depicted in FIG. 1 , in thecontext of a basketball video game, “upgrades” that may be applied to anNFT-backed jersey may include, for example: advertising logos/indiciathat may be layered onto the jersey (advertising assets 32);embellishments, accessories, visual effects, performance enhancements,or the like that alter the look, feel, and/or performance of the jerseyand/or underlying avatar (feature assets 34); and conditional featuresthat induce a visual or performance change conditioned on either theoccurrence of an external event or on a probabilistic outcome(conditional assets 36).

With continued reference to the basketball jersey example shown in FIG.1 , in this embodiment, the advertising asset 32 may comprise a logo 50that is affixed on the outer visual surface of the jersey 16 (i.e.,within the game 12). In one embodiment, the location and size of thelogo 50 on the jersey 16 may be specified by the creator 26 of thejersey (i.e., to maintain some control over the look and feel of thefinal article) and may be specified in the primary asset NFT 18. Forexample, the NFT 18 may include a first ad token container representinga primary logo displayed in large-form on the center of the jersey 16,and a second ad token container representing a secondary logo displayedin a comparatively smaller form on a sleeve, shoulder, or other lessprominent location. Each container may be operative to receive acorresponding advertising token that represents the contractual right todisplay an advertisement as prescribed by the container. In thisembodiment, the advertising token may include a pointer to a graphicsfile (or ad server that may dynamically assign an advertising logo).

In some embodiments, the logo 50 may simply be a component of a broaderadvertising/sponsorship agreement that may be represented by theadvertising token/asset 32. More specifically, possession/ownership ofthe advertising asset 32 may represent the contractual rights andobligations of a more traditional sports sponsorship. Once the terms andscope are agreed to, possession of the token may pass to the wallet oraccount of the user and may be referenced or contained by the primaryNFT 18. In some embodiments, such terms may include an indication of thevalue owed to the user for display of the logo (and/or a mechanism tofacilitate automatic transfer) and/or a specified term for theagreement. Further, in some embodiments, the token may include amechanism to automatically remit a portion of the contract value to theprimary digital asset creator and/or game host. In this sense, theadvertising asset 32 may comprise a smart contract that automaticallyremits payment from an advertiser or advertising marketplace 51 to anaccount of the user following a certain level of exposure or number ofimpressions. In the context of open virtual worlds or online streamingof a gamer's play, the number of impressions may exceed an n of 1 asmight have been typical in prior eras. After the conclusion of theagreement, the token may expire, be burned, destroyed, or otherwisedeactivated without penalty.

Continuing with the basketball jersey example, in some embodiments, thefeature asset 34 may be a visual overlay or functionality modificationthat augments how the jersey looks, appears, or influences the behaviorof the avatar/player 14. Examples of features that may be utilized witha jersey asset may include a temporary colorway, a fire overlay 52, anelectricity overlay, overlaid chains, a particular radiance or glow,and/or various surrounding features, such as dust clouds, bats, murderhornets, and the like. Further in some embodiments, the feature asset 34may include ancillary features such as jet packs, rockets, armor, orother features that may have performance affecting qualities (e.g.,higher jumping, faster running, greater strength when initiating contactwith the opponent). It should be understood that this listing ofpossible features is exemplary and should not be strictly limiting.

In one embodiment, the feature asset 34 may comprise a separate,tokenized digital collectable that, when possessed by the user and/orreferenced by the primary asset NFT, may alter the functionality orperformance of the primary digital asset, the avatar, or even thesurrounding virtual environment as may be perceived by others within theenvironment. For example, in one embodiment, a feature asset 34 mayinclude a tokenized visual representation of an issued US patent relatedto a particular consumer product, such as basketball shoes. Possessionof this token by a user may then provide unique abilities, skins,colorways, and/or performance characteristics to a similar pair of shoeswhen worn by the user's player/avatar. Likewise, possession of an NFTpatent image related to, for example, a digital advertising and/orvirtual environment architecture (e.g., such as the present application)may entitle the owner/possessor to unique abilities or control over theenvironment for a limited or predefined duration.

In one embodiment, a method of providing an incentive to creators oftechnology may include minting an NFT digital collectable representativeof an issued patent in the name of an inventor of the patent. This NFTdigital patent certificate may have specific virtual reality ormetaverse attributes as a feature asset 32 for any product within themetaverse that has a corresponding product in the real, physical worldthat is marked (directly or virtually) with the patent numberrepresented by the NFT digital patent certificate (i.e., marked withinthe meaning of 35 USC 287). This NFT digital patent certificate may befully alienable with any subsequent transfer for value (sale or lease)having a mechanism to transfer a percentage royalty to the originalowner/inventor.

While NFT patent images are one embodiment of amazing collector itemsthat could provide unique powers to the holder (e.g., power-ups,invincibility, unlimited ammo/weapons/strength/speed/etc.), in otherembodiments, similar functional benefits may be had via collectible NFTtrading cards (e.g., an NFT of a star pickleball athlete may provide apower-up if a user were playing as that athlete in a console-baseddigital pickleball game). Use of digital collectables as feature assets34 may provide new metaverse-level utility to NFT collectables that areotherwise collected only for their exquisite beauty, rarity, or origin.

Because the feature asset 34 is distinctly tokenized and alienable, insome embodiments, the feature asset may be capable of being re-sold in adigital marketplace. The token representative of the feature asset mayinclude, for example, a pointer to identify a source location for thegraphics file, an indication of any timing attributes or dynamicfunctionality of the feature itself, and/or an indication of how thefeature may impact any behavior or ability metrics of the avatar. Insome embodiments, the token may further have a time or use-basedperformance degradation, whereby the abilities bestowed to the primaryasset/avatar may degrade or diminish with the passage of time or use. Assuch, in a model where a user attempts to monetize the feature asset byleasing it out, the user may be required to balance any obtained returnwith an understanding of the asset's limited life or diminishingperformance (i.e., similar to a rented automobile, a new car may commanda higher rental fee than a 12-year-old high-mileage car with noticeablewear and tear). Sunsetting performance in this manner may furtherenhance collectors markets by reducing available inventory over time.

As noted above, the conditional asset 36 may be similar to the featureasset 34, though may have some element that is triggered or activated byan external occurrence or probability (note that it is referred toherein as a conditional asset, but it should more appropriately beregarded as a “conditional and/or probabilistic” asset). Examples ofconditional assets 36 may include accessory packs that change the colorof the jersey 16 when a particular basketball player in real life scoresa certain number of points in a league game, gets named as an all-star,wins a league championship, or gets voted into the hall of fame. Inanother example the jersey may be re-skinned or ordained with particularindicia if the user achieves a particular number of gamer points acrossmultiple games/platforms or achieves a particular regional, national, orworldwide player rank. In either case, the trigger comes from a sourceoutside of the immediate game environment 12. For example, in oneembodiment, a self-executing smart contract or condition evaluatinglogic 60 may receive input from a data repository, internet search,trusted source, blockchain oracle 62, the game 12, and/or some otherthird-party reference. The smart contract/logic 60 may evaluate one ormore predetermined conditionals, and if the appropriate condition ismet, the contract/logic 60 may initiate a modification in the sub-assettoken (or visual representation thereof) to reflect the visual orperformance modification.

In some embodiments, the conditional event may include a user crossing aparticular geofence boundary (in real life or within a virtual world).For example, a user's primary digital asset may be a t-shirt that isperceivable on the user's physical body when viewed using augmentedreality glasses/devices. Upon purchasing a concert ticket, the user mayreceive a conditional asset feature pack that includes digital lightingeffects that may be applied to the t-shirt. As a condition to thelighting effects, however, the user must be physically located withinthe concert venue (i.e., must have crossed a geofence boundary into theactivated zone during a prescribed time). Upon exiting this zone, theeffects may be deactivated. Note that in this example, the feature assetmay be received following a verified retail transaction, much like isdescribed in US 2020/0184041, which is incorporated by reference above.

In some instances, instead of being solely reliant on the binaryoccurrence of an external event, the conditional asset 34 may includesome element of probabilistic chance. More specifically, such aprobabilistic asset may include an asset that, when purchased/received,has an uncertain visual appearance or functional benefit, though has aprobabilistic chance of having various forms (e.g., a 60% chance of afirst form/color, a 30% chance of a second form/color, a 9% chance of athird form/color, and a 1% chance of a fourth form/color). Upon theoccurrence of some triggering event, a random number generator or otherprobabilistic selection routine may determine the resultant form of thesub-asset. Examples of triggering events may include conditionalexternal events, game-related events, receipt of the token by the user,or a user (or user's avatar) crossing some predefined geofence boundary.Continuing with the concert t-shirt example, upon entering the venue,some users may receive temporary lighting effects while others mayreceive concert t-shirt skins/appliques that may persist even after theconcert or outside of the geofence. In some embodiments, once the formis selected, it may be written to the token to achieve a permanence.

While US 2020/0184041 discusses the use of genetic modifiers to thedigital asset, the presently disclosed feature sub-assets andconditional sub-assets may be regarded as non-genetic modifiers. Thesesub-assets may effectively layer on top of the primary asset without anycore or permanent modification to the primary asset itself. Even if theadded layer fully masks a portion of the primary asset (e.g., byoverlaying or over-skinning a new colorway onto the primary asset),destruction of the feature sub-asset/token would simply remove the maskand the visual appearance of the primary asset would revert back to itsoriginal state.

The architecture 10 shown in FIG. 1 may provide a user with greatercontrol and flexibility over how to best utilize their digital assetswithin a virtual or mixed reality environment. Because each sub-asset isfully alienable, the present technology can also create or expandmarketplaces for unused and/or secondhand sub-assets. In someembodiments, as noted above, each token may be capable of being loanedout to a third party for an agreed upon duration. Such a feature maypermit users to create revenue streams off unused assets or sub-assetsby offering them for lease on a digital marketplace. Examples of unusedassets may include particular colorways for an article of apparel orfootwear and/or redundant features (e.g., when a user has three separatejet packs for the jersey, each with a different look and functionalbenefit). Further, this leasing ability could create new enterpriseswithin virtual worlds, such as a jet pack rental business (i.e., wherethe business acquires a plurality of jet pack feature assets 34, andthen rents/leases them to end users for a predefined period of time totour the virtual world in flight).

Similar to a digital marketplace for features, in some embodiments, thepresent architecture may include a digital marketplace 64 foradvertisements. In doing so, a corporation who has a logo 50 may mint aplurality of NFTs, each containing a reference to a particular logofile. In some embodiments, in addition to simply supplying the logo, thecompany may also indicate how much it is willing to pay and/or mayprovide any constraints toward use (geographic, target audience, game,etc.). Once published to the marketplace, users may enter themarketplace and agree to certain “sponsorships” whereby the user wouldagree to wear a logo on the primary asset for a predetermined amount oftime or impressions. Once a logo is selected, the minted token may passto the user, and the user may begin receiving value for displaying thelogo 50. Further, in some embodiments, the creator of the primary assetmay receive a commission for having provided the vehicle to support thelogo. Likewise, the game host may receive a commission for havingprovided the environment for the logo to be seen.

In some embodiments, this advertising model may create asports-marketing game within the game. More particularly, the user maydesire to maximize any potential income stream by selecting a logo fromthe marketplace that will provide the greatest earning potential. In oneconfiguration, the marketplace may dynamically adjust prices based onthe constraints set by the companies, the target market of each company,the total supply of available advertisements, the total demand foradvertisements, and a user's scope of influence. For example, a companywould be willing to pay a higher rate for placement on an individualwithin a target demographic/audience/region (in the physical world) thanit would for a placement on someone outside that targetdemographic/audience/region—i.e., a regional restaurant chain wouldlikely not pay as much to advertise in a remote country as it would inits local market.

In some embodiments, a user may be assigned a scope of influence ratingthat may affect the cost of advertising within the marketplace. Morespecifically, a user that has a greater scope of influence may command ahigher advertising rate than a user with a comparatively lower scope ofinfluence. The scope of influence rating may reflect one or both ofin-game influence/visibility and out-of-game influence/visibility. Ingame factors that may be considered include, for example, game ranking,game points, tournament rankings, and team or clan rankings. Likewise,out-of-game factors may include performance or ranking across multiplegames or platforms, a number of followers on one or more social mediaaccounts, or an amount of recently created/streamed content (andassociated views/likes). In this manner, much like professionalathletics, the more a gamer succeeds in the game and/or in attractingfollowers outside of the game, the more advertisers would be willing topay to have their logo associated with that individual.

While the prior disclosure has been made within the context of abasketball video game, it is similarly applicable to environmentaladvertising within a virtual or mixed reality digital environment. Morespecifically, instead of the primary asset being a basketball jersey,the primary asset may be a billboard or other digital signage. Similarto pricing an advertisement in the context of a basketball player'sscope of influence, the advertisement on the billboard may be priced interms of the billboard's scope of influence. This may be measured, forexample, in terms of the number of impressions or views that theadvertisement is expected to receive over a predetermined period oftime.

In some embodiments, the virtual environment within which theadvertisement is hosted may include an application layer that enablesany tokenized asset to poll the quantity and nature of other tokenizedassets within a given proximity. In some embodiments, one possibleconditional feature may include a visual alteration or video display ifa tokenized asset of a particular value or rarity is located within apredetermined proximity of the primary asset. In one embodiment wherethe primary asset is a billboard advertisement, the proximity of aspecific tokenized asset or a tokenized asset having at least somepredetermined rarity score may unlock a virtual storefront or virtualexperience that may override the displayed advertisement.

In still another example, the present technology may be used inconnection with digital artwork or collectables. For example, a digitalcollectable may include a conditional sub-asset token that alters astatic or dynamic visual appearance based on the occurrence of anoutside event. For example, an NFT based image of a greenscape may havea conditional sub-asset that inserts a dynamic image of a bloomingcorpse flower any time a known corpse flower blooms in real life (i.e.,understanding that the blooming of a corpse flower in real life is arare and often a documented event). In this example, the conditionalcorpse-flower sub-asset may be tokenized by its creator and minted in apredetermined quantity. Primary art owners may then acquire the corpseflower sub asset and incorporate it into art that they already own.Similarly, a creator may mint a sub asset of a rocket ship flyingtoward/past the moon which may be inserted into other digitalcollectables and may trigger, for example, when a corporate stock ofexceptional interest rises in price by more than a predetermined amountor percentage.

It should be appreciated that the above-described technology may becapable of implementation in a variety of forms. While NFT technology isconsistently referenced, the technology may be implemented through oneor more public blockchains, private blockchains, and/or may incorporateone or more sidechains, smart contracts, databases, and the like.

Aspects of this disclosure may be implemented, in some embodiments,through a computer-executable program of instructions, such as programmodules, generally referred to as software applications or applicationprograms executed by any of a controller or the controller variationsdescribed herein. Software may include, in non-limiting examples,routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures thatperform particular tasks or implement particular data types. Thesoftware may form an interface to allow a computer to react according toa source of input. The software may also cooperate with other codesegments to initiate a variety of tasks in response to data received inconjunction with the source of the received data. The software may bestored on any of a variety of memory media, such as CD-ROM, magneticdisk, bubble memory, and semiconductor memory (e.g., various types ofRAM or ROM).

Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced with avariety of computer-system and computer-network configurations,including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based orprogrammable-consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers,and the like. In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may bepracticed in distributed-computing environments where tasks areperformed by resident and remote-processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed-computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer-storage media including memory storage devices. Aspects of thepresent disclosure may therefore be implemented in connection withvarious hardware, software, or a combination thereof, in a computersystem or other processing system.

Any of the methods described herein may include machine readableinstructions for execution by: (a) a processor, (b) a controller, and/or(c) any other suitable processing device. Any algorithm, software,control logic, protocol or method disclosed herein may be embodied assoftware stored on a tangible medium such as, for example, a flashmemory, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk(DVD), or other memory devices. The entire algorithm, control logic,protocol, or method, and/or parts thereof, may alternatively be executedby a device other than a controller and/or embodied in firmware ordedicated hardware in an available manner (e.g., implemented by anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logicdevice (PLD), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), discrete logic,etc.). Further, although specific algorithms are described withreference to flowcharts depicted herein, many other methods forimplementing the example machine-readable instructions may alternativelybe used.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described in detail withreference to the illustrated embodiments; those skilled in the art willrecognize, however, that many modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. The presentdisclosure is not limited to the precise construction and compositionsdisclosed herein; any and all modifications, changes, and variationsapparent from the foregoing descriptions are within the scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the presentconcepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub-combinationsof the preceding elements and features.

Further aspects of the present technology are provided in the followingclauses, which should be read in light of the preceding disclosure:

Clause 1: A method of displaying a multi-layer digital asset in adigital environment, the method comprising: retrieving, from a digitalblockchain ledger, data associated with a first, primary non fungiblecryptographic token (NFT), the data comprising: core asset informationincluding: a first pointer identifying a first retrieval location of afirst digital graphics file, wherein the first digital graphics file isrepresentative of a primary digital asset; and a reference to a second,sub-asset NFT, wherein the second, sub-asset NFT includes a secondpointer that identifies a second retrieval location of a second digitalgraphics file, retrieving, the first digital graphics file via the firstretrieval location; retrieving, from the digital blockchain ledger, dataassociated with the second, sub-asset NFT, the data including the secondpointer; retrieving the second digital graphics file via the secondretrieval location; layering an image from the second digital graphicsfile on the primary digital asset to form the multi-layer digital asset;and displaying the multi-layer digital asset in a digital environment.

Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein the second, sub-asset NFT isan advertising asset and wherein the image from the second digitalgraphics file comprises an advertising logo or indicia.

Clause 3: The method of clause 2, wherein the second retrieval locationcomprises a marketplace having a plurality of advertising logos orindicia.

Clause 4: The method of any of clauses 2-3, wherein displaying themulti-layer digital asset comprises displaying the multi-layer digitalasset in combination with a character avatar, wherein the characteravatar is controlled within the digital environment by a user.

Clause 5: The method of clause 4, wherein the second NFT furthercomprises a self-executing contract, the self-contract comprisingdigital software code that when executed automatically transfers anamount of value to an account associated with the user following thedisplaying of the multi-layer digital asset in the digital environment.

Clause 6: The method of clause 5, wherein the amount of value is definedwithin the digital software code of the self-executing contract.

Clause 7: The method of clause 6, wherein the character avatar comprisesa plurality of attributes; and wherein the amount of value is, in part,a function of at least one attribute of the plurality of attributes.

Clause 8: The method of any of clauses 5-7, wherein the amount of valueis a first amount of value; wherein the core asset information of thefirst NFT further includes an identification of a creator of the primarydigital asset; and wherein the digital software code, when executed,automatically transfers a second amount of value to an accountassociated with the creator of the primary digital asset.

Clause 9: The method of any of clauses 5-7, wherein the amount of valueis a first amount of value; wherein the digital software code, whenexecuted, automatically transfers a second amount of value to an accountassociated with a creator of the digital environment.

Clause 10: The method of any of clauses 4-9, wherein the primary digitalasset is an article of apparel or footwear operative to be worn by thecharacter avatar.

Clause 11: The method of clause 10, wherein the primary digital asset isa sports jersey.

Clause 12: The method of any of clauses 1-11, wherein layering the imagefrom the second digital graphics file on the primary digital assetcomprises fully masking a portion of the primary digital asset to altera color of the primary digital asset.

Clause 13: The method of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the second,sub-asset NFT is a feature asset, and wherein the image from the seconddigital graphics file comprises a partially transparent overlay; andwherein layering the image from the second digital graphics file on theprimary digital asset comprises overlaying the primary digital assetwith the partially transparent overlay such that the primary digitalasset is at least partially visible through the overlay.

Clause 14: The method of clause 13, wherein the partially transparentoverlay comprises at least one of: flames; electricity; or dust clouds.

Clause 15: The method of any of clauses 1-14, wherein displaying themulti-layer digital asset comprises displaying the multi-layer digitalasset in combination with a character avatar, wherein the characteravatar is controlled within the digital environment by a user, thecharacter avatar further comprising a plurality of character attributesoperative to influence how the character avatar behaves or performswithin the digital environment; wherein the second, sub-asset NFT is afeature asset and includes data comprising at least one performanceattribute; and the method further comprising modifying at least one ofthe plurality of character attributes according to the at least oneperformance attribute of the second, sub-asset NFT.

Clause 16: The method of clause 15, wherein the modifying of the atleast one of the plurality of character attributes diminishes as afunction of an amount of time or use of the second, sub-asset NFT withinthe digital environment.

Clause 17: The method of any of clauses 15-16, wherein the second,sub-asset NFT comprises a third pointer that identifies a thirdretrieval location of a third digital graphics file; the method furthercomprising: retrieving the third digital graphics file from the thirdretrieval location; and displaying an image from the third digitalgraphics file within the digital environment.

Clause 18: The method of clause 17, wherein the image from the thirddigital graphics file comprises an image of a trading card or patent.

Clause 19: The method of any of clauses 1-18, further comprising:receiving from an external source, an indication that an event hasoccurred; and wherein displaying the multi-layer digital asset occursonly after receipt of the indication that the event has occurred.

Clause 20: The method of clause 19, wherein the event is an event oroccurrence occurring outside of the digital environment.

Clause 21: The method of clause 20, wherein the event is a real-worldevent or occurrence.

Clause 22: The method of clause 21, wherein the external source is ablockchain oracle.

Clause 23: The method of any of clauses 19-22, wherein the event is auser crossing a geofence boundary.

Clause 24: The method of any of clauses 1-23, wherein the second NFT isheld in a first digital wallet or account; the method furthercomprising: transferring or making a request to transfer the second NFTto a second digital wallet or account; appending or making a request toappend an indication of the transfer of the second NFT in the data ofthe first NFT; and removing the image from the multi-layer digitalasset.

Clause 25: The method of any of clauses 1-24, wherein the digitalenvironment is an augmented reality or mixed reality environment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of displaying a multi-layerdigital asset in a digital environment, the method comprising:retrieving, from a digital blockchain ledger, data associated with afirst, primary non fungible cryptographic token (NFT), the datacomprising a first pointer identifying a first retrieval location of afirst digital graphics file, wherein the first digital graphics file isrepresentative of a primary digital asset; retrieving, from the digitalblockchain ledger, data associated with a second, sub-asset NFT, thedata comprising a second pointer identifying a second retrieval locationof a second digital graphics file; retrieving, the first digitalgraphics file via the first retrieval location; retrieving the seconddigital graphics file via the second retrieval location; layering animage from the second digital graphics file onto the primary digitalasset to form the multi-layer digital asset; and displaying themulti-layer digital asset in a digital environment.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second, sub-asset NFT is an advertising asset andwherein the image from the second digital graphics file comprises anadvertising logo or indicia.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein thesecond retrieval location comprises a marketplace having a plurality ofadvertising logos or indicia.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereindisplaying the multi-layer digital asset comprises displaying themulti-layer digital asset in combination with a character avatar,wherein the character avatar is controlled within the digitalenvironment by a user.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second NFTfurther comprises a self-executing contract, the self-contractcomprising digital software code that when executed automaticallytransfers an amount of value to an account associated with the userfollowing the displaying of the multi-layer digital asset in the digitalenvironment.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the amount of value isdefined within the digital software code of the self-executing contract.7. The method of claim 6, wherein the character avatar comprises aplurality of attributes; and wherein the amount of value is, in part, afunction of at least one attribute of the plurality of attributes. 8.The method of claim 5, wherein the amount of value is a first amount ofvalue; wherein the data of the first NFT further includes anidentification of a creator of the primary digital asset; and whereinthe digital software code, when executed, automatically transfers asecond amount of value to an account associated with the creator of theprimary digital asset.
 9. The method of claim 5, wherein the amount ofvalue is a first amount of value; wherein the digital software code,when executed, automatically transfers a second amount of value to anaccount associated with a creator of the digital environment.
 10. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the primary digital asset is an article ofapparel or footwear operative to be worn by the character avatar. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the primary digital asset is a sportsjersey.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein layering the image from thesecond digital graphics file on the primary digital asset comprisesfully masking a portion of the primary digital asset to alter a color ofthe primary digital asset.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond, sub-asset NFT is a feature asset, and wherein the image from thesecond digital graphics file comprises a partially transparent overlay;and wherein layering the image from the second digital graphics file onthe primary digital asset comprises overlaying the primary digital assetwith the partially transparent overlay such that the primary digitalasset is at least partially visible through the overlay.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein the partially transparent overlay comprises atleast one of: flames; electricity; or dust clouds.
 15. The method ofclaim 1, wherein displaying the multi-layer digital asset comprisesdisplaying the multi-layer digital asset in combination with a characteravatar, wherein the character avatar is controlled within the digitalenvironment by a user, the character avatar further comprising aplurality of character attributes operative to influence how thecharacter avatar behaves or performs within the digital environment;wherein the second, sub-asset NFT is a feature asset and includes datacomprising at least one performance attribute; and the method furthercomprising modifying at least one of the plurality of characterattributes according to the at least one performance attribute of thesecond, sub-asset NFT.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the modifyingof the at least one of the plurality of character attributes diminishesas a function of an amount of time or use of the second, sub-asset NFTwithin the digital environment.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein thesecond, sub-asset NFT comprises a third pointer that identifies a thirdretrieval location of a third digital graphics file; the method furthercomprising: retrieving the third digital graphics file from the thirdretrieval location; and displaying an image from the third digitalgraphics file within the digital environment.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the image from the third digital graphics file comprises animage of a trading card or patent.
 19. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving from an external source, an indication that anevent has occurred; and wherein displaying the multi-layer digital assetoccurs only after receipt of the indication that the event has occurred.20. The method of claim 19, wherein the event is an event or occurrenceoccurring outside of the digital environment.
 21. The method of claim20, wherein the event is a real-world event or occurrence.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the external source is a blockchain oracle.23. The method of claim 19, wherein the event is a user crossing ageofence boundary.
 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the second NFT isheld in a first digital wallet or account; the method furthercomprising: transferring or making a request to transfer the second NFTto a second digital wallet or account; appending or making a request toappend an indication of the transfer of the second NFT in the data ofthe first NFT; and removing the image from the multi-layer digitalasset.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital environment is anaugmented reality or mixed reality environment.